IndyCar Series points leader hopes to be ready for a test session at Sonoma on Aug. 21

INDIANAPOLIS — Helio Castroneves feared injury if a Brazilian stock car driver lost control in the fastest section of the new Ribeirao Preto street circuit.

Castroneves became that driver last Friday when brake failure caused his car to slam head-first into the tire barrier that he said was too close to the track.

The three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and current IndyCar Series points leader suffered leg cuts and a neck sprain in what he described as a frightening crash in his hometown event.

"I did tell the guys that they needed to move the wall at the end of the straightaway; it was too close," Castroneves told The Indianapolis Star Tuesday. "I told them, if somebody loses their brakes right there he's going to hit that wall hard."

Castroneves said he was traveling about 120 mph. He was was told the impact force was among the highest recorded in series history.

"I believe it because it was a violent impact," he said. "There was a moment where I said, 'Oh, crap.' "

Officials moved the barrier farther from the corner after Castroneves' crash, which might have saved other drivers who lost control there later in the race weekend.

The accident occurred during the 15-minute acclimation period afforded Castroneves as a visiting driver. The deep leg cut that required three stitches came as a result of hitting the dash, he said.

"The dash was a little low, and I had asked them to put a little foam there," he said.

The event's medical team did not allow Castroneves to race. He has returned to his Fort Lauderdale, Fla., home and is hoping his neck soreness subsides by the end of the week.

Castroneves' return to Team Penske's Indy car comes Aug. 21 with an open test at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. He holds a 31-point lead over Scott Dixon with five races left.